Bone loss increases after menopause, yet bone strength dependson structural characteristics such as bone size. In this study,the bone mass and skeletal structure of the distal radius wereevaluated by single-photon absorptiometry in 108 women, allof whom were followed from menopause for a mean of 15 years.During follow-up, the mean bone mineral density decreased andthe medullary bone diameter and periosteal diameter increasedannually. The bone-strength index decreased.
Increased bone loss after menopause is associated with increasedperiosteal apposition, which partially preserves bone strength.
